Young Naturalists inspired by Facebook

Saturday 24th September 2011

While the internet carries the reputation of keeping our children indoors, Dorset Wildlife Trust is inspiring them to get back out into the wild through the use of social networks like Facebook and Twitter. DWT’s regular competition on Facebook caught the eye of two local youngsters, and Dorset Wildlife Trust were so impressed with their knowledge that they invited them to a VIP wildlife walk.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Facebook page has over 1350 followers, with their ‘Monday Mystery’ competition being a popular feature. An extreme close up of a wildlife photo is posted, and followers are challenged to guess what it could be to challenge their wildlife skills. Prizes such as red squirrel goodies have even been awarded to correct answers on particularly tough challenges. Regular posters and ‘Monday Mystery’ guessers Rachel Cantrell and her sons Ben, aged 10 and Max aged 7 soon caught the attention of Dorset Wildlife Trust with their wildlife knowledge and quick answers.

An amazing depth of knowledge

Steve Davis, Volunteer Programme Manager for Dorset Wildlife Trust said: “Max and Ben really do know their wildlife, and regularly come up with the correct answer on our Monday Mystery ­ and their success in just a quick glance at identifying a grass snake from an image of just the chin led to us offering the chance to walk on the heath with me and see some reptiles up close and personal. I was amazed at their depth of knowledge; Ben is the trees and plants expert and Max is the fauna expert! It was inspiring to be out on the heath with these young naturalists ­ always eager to see more and more and to quite literally follow in my footsteps.”

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s Facebook page can be found at www.facebook.com/Dorsetwildlife and on Twitter you can follow @Dorsetwildlife for regular updates, online competitions and local events. Experts are also on hand to help identify any wildlife pictures or to share wildlife sightings.

About Dorset Wildlife Trust www.dorsetwildlifetrust.org.uk
Working for a secure future for Dorset’s wildlife enriching the quality of life
Dorset Wildlife Trust works to champion wildlife and natural places, to engage and inspire people and to promote sustainable living. Founded in 1961, DWT is now the largest voluntary nature conservation organisation in Dorset, with over 25,000 members and over 40 nature reserves. Most are open daily and there are visitor centres providing a wealth of wildlife information at Brooklands Farm, Lorton Meadows, Kingcombe Meadows and Brownsea Island Nature Reserves, The Purbeck Marine Wildlife Reserve and the Urban Wildlife Centre at Upton Heath Nature Reserve. DWT plays a key role in dealing with local environmental issues and leads the way in establishing the practices of sustainable development and engaging new audiences in conservation, particularly in the urban areas.